The Marris family plays a significant role in the winemaking landscape of Marlborough, New Zealand, connecting the region’s past to its present and guiding its future. John Marris was instrumental in the early days of Marlborough winemaking, acting as the land agent for Frank Yukich, who acquired 500 hectares of marginal farmland that would eventually… Read More »
Stéphane Ogier has introduced a game-changing release in the Côte-Rôtie wine category: the Mes Grands Lieux cuvée. This innovative offering emerges after a decade of estate aging, allowing wine lovers to enjoy a Côte-Rôtie that is ready to drink upon release. For winemakers, balancing the aging potential of their wines is crucial. While wines that… Read More »
The exploration of global sweet fortified wines continued in a recent tasting, showcasing an eclectic selection beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Andrew Jefford, along with panelists Simon Field MW and Richard Mayson, noted how this tasting offered surprising and original wines, although none quite matched the outstanding selections from Portugal and Spain. The first day of… Read More »
Château Cheval Blanc has unveiled its 2025 vintage en primeur amid one of the smallest harvests recorded since 1961. On May 11, it was offered by UK merchants for approximately £2,010 per six bottles in bond, displaying a price increase compared to the previous year. This release comes as part of a much-anticipated Bordeaux 2025… Read More »
This exciting wine project, owned by the Sander family, is situated in a lesser-known winegrowing area known as Sondagskloof, located within the Walker Bay region of South Africa. To reach Sondagskloof, you follow the R43 towards Hermanus, but instead of veering into the popular Hemel-en-Arde Valley, you continue past the town of Stanford. The area… Read More »
A subtle shift is occurring in Napa Valley, as the region transitions from an image rooted in extreme luxury to one that embraces craft, sustainability, and traditional farming practices. Historically, Napa Valley has been synonymous with luxury, with a focus on high-end wineries featuring extravagant tasting rooms and cult wines. Winemaker Ivo Jeramaz, who began… Read More »
Giulia and Giorgio Antonioli transitioned into the world of winemaking after successful careers in different fields; she was an archaeologist and he an art historian. In 2018, they decided to shift paths and leased old vineyards on the slopes of the Apennine Mountains in Umbria, Italy, which they meticulously renovated. Now operating under the name… Read More »
Set in downtown Portland at the Kimpton Vintage Hotel, the Willamette Valley Wine Auction returns for its 10th anniversary, showcasing nearly every lot of the vintage 2024 wines. As Acting North America Regional Editor for Decanter, I tasted the auction lots, which are special blends sourced from select barrels of top vineyard sites. These auction… Read More »
Angiolino Maule is a prominent figure in Italy’s natural wine movement. He and his wife, Rosamaria, began their journey in the late 1970s when they opened a pizzeria. With the savings they accumulated, they purchased a farm named La Biancara, which also included some vineyards. They continued their hospitality business while producing their first wines… Read More »
Moscato, a sweet and light-bodied wine, has gained immense popularity, particularly after it became a favorite among hip-hop artists in the 2000s. The trend began with Lil’ Kim’s mention in her song "Lighters Up" and later by Drake, who highlighted its perfect pairing with lobster. By 2011, sales soared over $300 million in the US,… Read More »